Once a Rocket, Always a Rocket

Today was the day PSE invited all the graduating seniors back to walk the halls before graduation. It was fun seeing so many familiar faces, both with staff and seniors.  

Today a graduating rocket, 13 years ago a beginning kindergarten rocket

Mrs. Safran was her first-grade teacher and is still teaching at PSE!  She was truly the one that fueled Savannah's love for reading and continued to challenge her with bigger books (and of course AR points)

 I love our school so much!  So thankful for each and every teacher that poured into Savannah and helped her become the scholar she is today.

Preston's Last Day of Middle School

Where has time gone!?  Today was Preston's last day of middle school!!!  He has done so well and made a lot of great friends.  There is no doubt he is ready to head to Providence next year . . . although I think he is a bit worried about the course work, sports, and following in his sister's BIG footsteps. :)

Savannah's Last Day of High School

We made a special trip to Providence this week so that I could get a picture of Savannah in front of the college decision board.  

And before we knew it she left for her last official day of high school!

 It's been such a fun adventure with this girl.  She made it all the way from kindergarten through 12th grade with only missing one single day of school!!  There have been good days and bad ones, teachers that were better than others, and some classes that were just miserable, but for the most part, she has thrived in every class with hardly any studying.  I can't wait to see what excitement is ahead as she heads off to Chapel Hill . . but for now we are trying to live in the moment and enjoy all of the "lasts" of high school.

Ikea Land

Savannah has been asking for months to go to Ikea and today we finally were able to go!  It was quite an adventure, especially with one kid in a boot, but we made the most of it.  Savannah was excited to see a college board where you could mark the school where you are headed in the Fall.  We were able to get Preston a new bed so hopefully we eventually have time (and are able) to put it together.  The kids were super excited to get hotdogs and icecream when we left.

JMR 8th Grade Celebration

Tonight was the long-awaited middle school 8th grade celebration!  Preston had a super fun time with his friends.  They ate lots of junk, danced (as much as you can in a boot), and of course utilized the photo booth.  Although he's sad to be leaving middle school and a bit fearful of what high school will look like at least he'll have lots of friends by his side.

 

Kiwanis Scholarship

Savannah was selected as the recipient of the Kiwanis scholarship this year.  They kindly asked her to attend one of their meetings to accept the award and enjoy lunch with them at the Golden Corral. :) So today was the day!  Dave and I joined her and what an honor it was to hear them speak so highly about our Savannah. Some of the words from her teacher recommendations were shared and it brought tears to my eyes to hear how much other people value her servant's heart.  At the end of the meeting they go around and each member can pay a $1 to celebrate something and so many of the members celebrated Savannah and the "strongest resume we have seen in quite awhile".  It was such a blessing and a reminder that life is about more than good grades!

Before leaving she kindly asked Dave to swirl her an ice-cream cone :)

Tonight was when parents can "chalk the walk" for seniors.  Dave made a special trip on the way home from work to chalk out this masterpiece. Still holding on tight for so many senior things!

Savannah's Senior Awards Night

We were excited and a bit anxious to attend the Providence HS Senior Awards night this evening.  Savannah already knew about two scholarships she received, but we were hoping for one more that was $10k.  The ceremony was SO long, but well worth it in the end!

This girl worked hard, applied like crazy, and ended up with . . . 

Daniel B Kellas Community Service Scholarship

Assistance League of Charlotte Scholarship

SECU People Helping People Scholarship

PHS PTSO Scholarship

Elizabeth Anne Reid Memorial Scholarship

She was also honored for being a National Merit Scholar Finalist and achieving Bronze level for the President's Volunteer Service Award.  So she doesn't exactly have a full ride to Chapel Hill, but man she came close!  To say we are proud is an understatement.  She rocked it!!!  According to Preston (who says not to get my hopes up for him, LOL) she was honored more than any other student going on stage 7 times!!  It was so cute to see him texting his friends as we sat through the super long ceremony bragging about his sister. :)  So now we press on in the homestretch to graduation!